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St. Paul Business Awards now accepting nominations

Submitted by admin on Tue, 01/16/2018 - 11:14am

The St. Paul City Council announced that nominations are now open for the second annual St. Paul Business Awards. Recipients of the awards are named in seven categories and winners will be based on nominations from the community. Last year’s winners were drawn from more than 500 nominations.

“Through this awards program, the city council aims to recognize and celebrate the St. Paul businesses that make our city great,” said St. Paul City Council member for Ward 7 Jane Prince. “Locally owned independent businesses are the city’s lifeblood as job creators and centers of community vitality.”

As part of the Open for Business initiative that began in 2015, this is another step in making St. Paul more attractive to businesses.

“We believe that our success as a city depends on having the healthiest business climate possible — that means not just regulation but also saying thank you,” said Ward 2 council member Rebecca Noecker.

“We know that all businesses, including businesses owned by ethnic minorities and women, contribute to the economic vibrancy and vitality of our city,” said Ward 1 council member Dai Thao. “Recognizing the diverse businesses uplifts their stories for so many others to follow.”

Six of the winners will be selected by a committee of fellow business owners and one award, the People’s Choice Award, is selected by the community at large. Nominations are currently being accepted and the deadline for nominations is Feb. 24. Anyone can nominate a business, including a customer, neighbor, employee or owner. Nominations can be submitted online at www.stpaul.gov/bizawards. Awards will be presented on March 22 at the city council meeting with a reception to follow.

Last year’s winners included Captain Ken’s Foods, Tongue in Cheek restaurant, Securian Financial Group, Kamp’s Food Market, Urban Growler Brewing Company, Element Boxing and Fitness, Tin Cup’s Bar and Restaurant and El Burrito Mercado which won a special award created by the Selection Committee to honor a business that exemplifies excellence across nearly all of the award categories.

Award Categories

• Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in St. Paul for at least 20 years

• New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in St. Paul within the last five years

Large Business Excellence Award - Honoring a business with at least 50 employees in St. Paul

• Small Business Excellence Award - Honoring a business with fewer than 50 employees in St. Paul

• Alice O’Brien Award – Honoring a woman-owned business

• Reflecting St. Paul Award – Honoring a business owned by a person of color

• People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by St. Paul residents